Apple is now rolling out its new podcast subscription and channels initiative. Apple Podcasts Subscriptions allow creators to host bonus content and ad-free versions of their shows, in exchange for a monthly subscription.
For a while now, Apple has been running a promotion that offers a free one-year trial of Apple TV+ with any iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch purchase. That promotion ends on June 30, and Apple has today updated its website to show that from July 1 the included free trial shrinks to three months with eligible device purchases.
Beats today announced its second pair of true wireless earbuds, the new Beats Studio Buds. Priced at $149.99 and available in red, black, or white, the Studio Buds have a much different, more compact design than the previous Powerbeats Pro. There are no ear hooks on these, nor any stems, and that results in a very lightweight, comfortable fit.
They’re remarkably comfortable and have simple, easy controls. It’s good that the company is shifting to a more even-handed strategy that appeals to both iPhone and Android users. And the sound is enjoyable and detailed, if not earth-shattering for $150. But they settle for mediocre active noise cancellation, lack wireless charging, and come with an incomplete grab bag of Apple ecosystem bells and whistles. It feels like Beats tried to do a little too much all at once.
Of note is that, unlike other Apple headphones, the Studio Buds do not come with one of Apple's W1 or H1 wireless chips, instead opting for a custom solution. As suggested above, this doesn't have a major effect on the device's functionality; most of the major conveniences of AirPods are still here. But it does mean you lose features like iCloud device syncing and audio sharing.
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Regardless of what OS you use, though, you won’t get automatic ear detection, which means the Studio Buds won’t automatically pause when you remove them from your ears. This is a feature found on wireless earbuds around this price, so its omission is a disappointment. Likewise, there’s no multi-point connectivity, so you can’t connect to multiple devices at once and quickly switch between them if needed.
Apple is rolling out iOS 12.5.4 to older iPhone and iPad devices today. This update brings security fixes and is recommended for all users, according to Apple. The update fixes a trio of vulnerabilities affecting memory corruption and WebKit.
Using "Mystery Lady" by Masego and Don Toliver, the ad spot moves from a view of an iPhone showing the Apple Music app to the user being in a large room. They are surrounded by multiple copies of the singer, dressed as they were for the album artwork.
The new colors include sunflower, cloud blue, and electric orange. All three colors are available for each of the four iPhone 12 models.
The NightWatch is combination charging dock, magnifying glass, and acoustic amplifier, bringing together these functions to turn the Apple Watch’s nightstand mode into a bona fide bedside alarm, complete with a tap-to-wake feature to show you the time.
Yes, there are more affordable options out there, but not very many that are quite as gorgeous — this is a true piece of functional art, in my opinion, with a sophisticated look and precision design approach.
Well, that's it. No more extension of the free Apple TV+ trial. Time for me to cough up the money... and get Apple Arcade for free... I guess?
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